Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 3 players deserving of increased roles

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 30: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics scores on a layup in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on December 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 30: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics scores on a layup in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on December 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Boston Celtics (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Payton Pritchard

Though he may have been a late first-round pick, rookie point guard Payton Pritchard has played like anything but to start his NBA career.

Right out of the gate in game one, the former Oregon stud showed poise, passion, and confidence in his overall play. Though he only logged three points, one steal, and one assist in 13 minutes of play, his 13 minutes of hustle, grit, and grind on opening night showed why guys like Damian Lillard were preaching about what the 22-year-old could bring to the Boston Celtics.

Since this game, Pritchard’s minutes have increasingly grown more consistent, has two separate outings reaching double-figures, and is boasting per-36 minue averages of 10 points, four assists, and 2.6 steals per game on 51 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.

With the fact that Kemba Walker will be out for the at least the next few weeks, coupled with the recent sporatic play of Marcus Smart, many fans have called for Brad Stevens to consider thrusting him into the starting lineup at the one.

For us here at the Houdini, we see this as a bit premature — after all, he’s only played seven NBA games. That said, this trend of increased usage should certainly continue as time goes by and, should he continue impressing, perhaps the Cs should revisit this idea of inserting him as the team’s starting one.

Either way, upping his role within the team is a must moving forward.

Home/Celtics News